The Most Reliable BMW, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the BMW you think is the most reliable!
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:55
Choosing a reliable car can significantly ease the stress of daily commutes and long journeys alike. Reliability in vehicles is not just about enduring fewer breakdowns but also enjoying the journey with confidence. A focus on BMWs brings to light the varying reliability across different models and years, guiding potential buyers in making an informed decision.
By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a collective wisdom that benefits the entire community. Each vote helps in shaping a clearer picture of which BMW models stand the test of time and provide the best value and reliability. This democratic approach to ranking ensures that the results reflect the real-world experiences of drivers like you.
What Is the Most Reliable BMW?
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150votes
Rudolf Stricker · AttributionThis model has been praised for its reliability, with few reported issues and a solid build quality.The BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005-2013) is the fifth generation of the popular luxury compact car produced by the German automaker BMW. It offers a combination of elegance, sportiness, and performance, making it one of the most reliable choices within the BMW lineup.- Model years: 2005-2013
- Body styles: Sedan (E90), Touring (E91), Coupe (E92), Convertible (E93)
- Engine options: Various petrol and diesel engines, including 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and turbocharged options
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
- Drive type: Rear-wheel drive (xDrive all-wheel drive available on certain models)
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224votes
Les Chatfield from Brighton, England · Public domainThis model is often cited as one of BMW's most reliable, with a strong engine and durable components.The BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003) is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was produced by the German automobile manufacturer BMW. It is a mid-size luxury executive car that was known for its exceptional build quality and reliability.- Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engine options, ranging from 2.0L to 4.9L
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Power Output: From 136 horsepower to 400+ horsepower
- Fuel Efficiency: Varied depending on the engine and driving conditions
BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003) in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable BMW 5 Series
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327votes
M · CC BY-SA 3.0This SUV has been noted for its reliability and low maintenance costs, making it a popular choice for families.The BMW X3 F25 (2011-2017) is a compact luxury crossover SUV that is known for its reliable performance and stylish design. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it perfect for both city driving and long-distance trips. With its outstanding handling and powerful engine options, it provides a fun and exhilarating driving experience. The BMW X3 F25 also comes with advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology, ensuring both the driver and passengers are well-protected and connected on the road.- Engine Options: 2.0L inline-4 or 3.0L inline-6
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 28 mpg (combined)
- Cargo Capacity: Up to 63.3 cubic feet
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418votes
M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 deThis sports car has been praised for its durability and performance, with few reported issues.The BMW Z4 E85/E86 (2002-2008) is a two-seater sports car that belongs to BMW's Z series. It is known for its sleek design, performance, and driving experience. The Z4 E85/E86 was first introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the BMW Z3.- Engine: 2.0L - 3.2L inline-six
- Power Output: 147 - 343 horsepower
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
- Top Speed: Up to 155 mph (limited)
- 0-60 mph: 4.8 - 7.9 seconds
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516votes
Rudolf Stricker · AttributionThis compact car has a reputation for being reliable and well-built, with a range of efficient engines.The BMW 1 Series E87 (2004-2011) is a compact luxury vehicle produced by the German automaker BMW. It is a rear-wheel drive hatchback that falls under the first generation of the BMW 1 Series. The E87 model offers a sporty design, comfortable interior, and a range of engines to suit different driving preferences.- Engine Options: Petrol and diesel engines ranging from 1.6 to 3.0 liters
- Power Output: Between 116 and 306 horsepower
- Transmission: 5 or 6-speed manual, 6 or 7-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
- Fuel Efficiency: Varies depending on the engine, averaging around 30-40 MPG
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64votes
Rudolf Stricker · CC BY-SA 3.0This luxury sedan has been praised for its durability and smooth ride, with a range of powerful engines.The BMW 7 Series E38 (1994-2001) is a luxury sedan produced by the German automobile manufacturer BMW. Renowned for its exceptional build quality and innovative features, the E38 7 Series is often regarded as one of the most reliable BMW models.- Engine Options: V8 or V12 engines
- Power Output: ranging from 282 to 372 horsepower
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (optional)
- Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension
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712votesThis SUV has been noted for its reliability and strong build quality, with a range of efficient engines.The BMW X5 E53 (1999-2006) is a luxury mid-size SUV that was produced by the German automaker BMW. It was designed to offer a comfortable and versatile driving experience, combining off-road capabilities with a sporty feel.
- Engine Options: 2.9L I6, 3.0L I6, 4.4L V8, 4.6L V8, 4.8L V8
- Power Output: ranging from 184 hp to 355 hp
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Seating Capacity: Up to 5 passengers
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82votesThis luxury coupe has been praised for its reliability and performance, with a range of powerful engines.The BMW 6 Series E63/E64 (2004-2010) is a luxury grand tourer produced by the German automaker BMW. It is the second generation of the BMW 6 Series and was available as a coupe (E63) and a convertible (E64). The design of the 6 Series E63/E64 combines elegance with a sporty character, offering a comfortable and dynamic driving experience.
- Engine: Various engine options including gasoline and diesel engines
- Power: Output ranging from 265 to 500 horsepower
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission options
- Weight: Curb weight ranging from 3,814 to 4,630 lbs (1,730 to 2,100 kg)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 4.8 to 5.6 seconds
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911votesThis high-performance sports car has a reputation for being reliable and well-built, with a range of powerful engines.The BMW M3 E46 (2000-2006) is a high-performance sports car produced by BMW. It is the fourth generation of the BMW M3 models and is known for its exceptional handling, powerful engine, and stylish design. The M3 E46 has gained a reputation as one of the most reliable vehicles in the BMW lineup.
- Engine: 3.2L inline-six
- Power: 333 horsepower
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
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104votes
M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 deThis compact SUV has been noted for its reliability and versatility, with a range of efficient engines.The BMW X1 E84 (2009-2015) is a compact luxury crossover SUV. It was the first-generation model of the BMW X1 series and was produced from 2009 to 2015. The X1 E84 shares the same platform as the BMW 3 Series and offers a combination of sporty driving dynamics, practicality, and luxury features.- Engine Options: 3.0L 6-cylinder petrol engine, 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine, 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine, 1.6L 4-cylinder petrol engine
- Power Output: Up to 300 horsepower (depending on the engine variant)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (optional)
- Fuel Efficiency: Combined fuel consumption ranging from 4.5 to 7.9 L/100km
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Ranking factors for reliable BMW
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Repair costsConsider the cost of parts and labor, as well as the frequency of repairs. High repair costs and frequent trips to the mechanic can indicate a less reliable car.
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RecallsCheck for any recall history of the BMW models in question. Frequent recalls may be a sign of reliability issues.
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MaintenanceLook at the recommended maintenance schedule and costs. A BMW that requires more frequent or expensive maintenance may be less reliable.
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Age and mileageOlder and higher mileage BMWs may have more reliability issues. Consider the age and mileage of the specific BMW model you are considering.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable BMW. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or BMW is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3181 views
- 164 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each BMW once every 24 hours. The rank of each BMW is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most reliable bmw
When it comes to car brands, BMW is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices among car enthusiasts. Known for their sleek designs and powerful engines, BMWs have become a symbol of luxury and sophistication on the roads. However, with so many models and variations available, it can be difficult to determine which BMW is the most reliable.
Reliability is a key factor to consider when purchasing a car, as it ensures that the vehicle is safe and efficient to drive for years to come. To determine the most reliable BMW, it's important to look at factors such as overall performance, maintenance costs, and customer reviews. With this information, car buyers can make an informed decision and choose a BMW that meets their needs and budget.
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